Practical tools (checklists and summary tables)

To ensure that you've used ‘gender-savvy’ language in your writing, try asking yourself the following questions:

Do you recognise stereotypes and avoid repeating them through your language?

Do you actively seek ways of being inclusive to both women and men?

Does your language reflect the idea that women, men and those of a non-binary gender are independent persons of equal value, dignity, integrity and respect?

When using gender-neutral language, have you considered whether there might be hidden gender elements to the discussion that mean you should be using gender-sensitive language instead?Tip! Policymakers and law-makers should almost always try to use gender-sensitive language, rather than gender-neutral language.

Do you avoid terms that may be patronising or belittling to one gender?

Would the adjectives that you use to describe one gender be equally applicable to another gender?

Did you check your document for gender-biased language?

Have you avoided describing women solely in relation to men?

Do you avoid using ‘man’ or ‘he’ to describe the experiences of everyone?

When describing professional occupations, have you used gender-neutral terms, such as chair, spokesperson and headteacher?

If you answered yes to all of the above, the chances are your language is free of gender bias.